Research and School Internal Review Directorate

27/07/2026

Nhar l-20 ta’ Lulju, RSIRD irrappreżentat mid-Direttur Dr Anthony Sammut u l-Assistent Direttur Joyce Grech flimkien mal-Prof Carmel Cefai mill-Universita ta’ Malta ltaqghu mal-E.T. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President ta’ Malta fil-Palazz ta’ San Anton fejn ġie ppreżentat kopja tar-rapport A National Study on the Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Academic Learning Competences of School Students in Malta (SEWAL).

On 20 July, RSIRD, represented by Director Dr Anthony Sammut and Assistant Director Joyce Grech, together with Prof. Carmel Cefai from the University of Malta, met with Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, at San Anton Palace, where a copy of the report A National Study on the Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Academic Learning Competences of School Students in Malta (SEWAL) was presented.

▪️ L-E.T. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President ta' Malta, laqgħet fil-Palazz ta' Sant'Anton lill- awturi tar-rapport A National Study on the Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Academic Learning Competences of School Students in Malta (SEWAL).

Matul il-laqgħa, il- Professur Carmel Cefai, is-Sinjura Joyce Grech u Dr. Anthony Sammut ippreżentaw kopja ta’ dan l-istudju nazzjonali lill-President u ddiskutew ir-riżultati ewlenin tiegħu. L-istudju eżamina l-benessri soċjali, emozzjonali kif ukoll il-kompetenzi akkademiċi tat-tfal u ż-żgħażagħ f'Malta, mill-ewwel snin tal-edukazzjoni tagħhom sat-tmiem tas-sekondarja.

Il-President saħqet fuq l-importanza ta' studji bħal dawn, li joffru bażi soda għat-tfassil ta' politiki u inizjattivi mmirati biex jissaħħu kemm il-benesseri kif ukoll l-esperjenza edukattiva tat-tfal u ż-żgħażagħ. Hija enfasizzat ukoll il-ħtieġa li l-isfidi li qed jaffaċċjaw l-istudenti jiġu indirizzati b'mod ħolistiku, sabiex ikunu jistgħu jiżviluppaw u jilħqu l-potenzjal sħiħ tagħhom.

L-istudju sar mill-Università ta’ Malta b’kollaborazzjoni mal-Ministeru tal-Edukazzjoni u l-Isport, u l-Ambaxxata Amerikana f’Malta.

▪️ H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, met with the authors of the report 'A National Study on the Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Academic Learning Competences of School Students in Malta' (SEWAL).

During the meeting, Professor Carmel Cefai, Ms Joyce Grech and Dr. Anthony Sammut presented a copy of this national study to the President and discussed its main findings. The study examined the social, emotional well-being and the academic competences of children and young people in Malta, from the first years of their education to the end of secondary school.

The President stressed the importance of such studies, which offer a solid basis for the design of policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening both the well-being and the educational experience of children and young people. She also stressed the need to address the challenges facing students in a holistic manner, so that they can develop and reach their full potential.

The study was conducted by the University of Malta in collaboration with the Ministry for Education and Sport, and the U.S. Embassy Valletta, Malta.
📷 Francis Debono

07/07/2026

On Monday, 6 July, the RSIRD team had the opportunity to participate in a Professional Development Training on Gender Mainstreaming, delivered by Mr André Callus, Ms Amy Galea, and Ms Kylie Pace from the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE).

Following an introduction by Dr Anthony Sammut, Director of RSIRD, the training featured three interactive sessions exploring equality, social identities, and gender mainstreaming. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the legal and policy frameworks that support gender equality while engaging in practical group activities and case study discussions that highlighted the importance of embedding equality into everyday practice and decision-making.

The sessions also covered key topics, including intersectionality, power and status, access to financial resources, vertical and horizontal segregation, gender impact assessment, and gender-responsive budgeting. These discussions encouraged reflection, meaningful dialogue, and shared learning among the team.

The day concluded with lunch at Muża Restaurant in Valletta.

A sincere thank you to the NCPE trainers for delivering such an insightful, engaging, and thought-provoking training session.

25/06/2026

The Standing Group on Indicators and Benchmarks (SGIB) meeting was held on 24–25 June 2026 in Nicosia, Cyprus, as part of the Cyprus EU Presidency programme. The meeting brought together experts and representatives from across Europe to discuss key developments in education policy and monitoring.

The Ministry for Education and Sport was represented by Ms Joyce Grech, Assistant Director within the Research and School Internal Review Directorate (RSIRD).

Over the two days, the agenda focused on a range of priority topics aligned with the European Education Area, including discussions on citizenship education and related dashboards, updates on teachers and school leadership through the EU TALIS report, and ongoing work on monitoring the impact of Artificial Intelligence in education, including group discussions and plenary sessions. The meeting also addressed mobility and related indicators, provided a preview of the Education and Training Monitor, and explored developments in preparedness education and policy initiatives, alongside updates from Eurostat and Eurydice.

The SGIB continues to play a key role in supporting evidence informed policymaking through the development and monitoring of indicators and benchmarks across European education systems.

21/06/2026

Networking Event Organised by the Research and School Internal Review Directorate (RSIRD)

The final networking event organised by RSIRD for this scholastic year, held on 17 June 2026, consisted of a reflective and engaging session bringing together College-based Curriculum Education Officers.

Dr Sammut, Director of RSIRD, opened the session by welcoming participants, providing an overview of the purpose of the networking event, and outlining the agenda for the morning’s discussions and presentations.

Ms Maria Attard, Education Officer, provided an overview of the School Internal Review Section’s work throughout the scholastic year, reaffirming the Directorate’s commitment to supporting colleges and schools in strengthening reflective practice, collective learning, and improved educational outcomes.

Mr Benjamin Coster, Manager II, provided an overview of key findings from the Education and Training Monitor 2025, highlighting current trends and challenges across early childhood education and care (ECEC); science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); vocational education and training (VET); and school education.

A thought-provoking keynote address on lifelong learning, exploring its evolving role within wider social, economic, and policy contexts, was delivered by Professor Peter Mayo from the University of Malta. The discussion highlighted the importance of recognising the value of learning beyond formal settings and its contribution to broader educational and societal development.

In his concluding remarks, Dr Sammut reflected on the main points emerging from the presentations and discussions, particularly those relating to lifelong learning. He also thanked participants for their active engagement throughout the event.

The event formed part of an ongoing series of networking initiatives within RSIRD, aimed at strengthening collaboration and supporting professional exchange. The conclusion of this year’s networking cycle marked a continued commitment to building a strong community of practice, with opportunities for collaboration and reflection in the year ahead.

12/06/2026

Dr Anthony Sammut, RSIRD Director, attended the Technical Seminar on Declining birth rates in Europe: Social security challenges and opportunities, held in Valletta, Malta, on 28-29 April 2026. The seminar was organised by The International Social Security Association (ISSA) European Network and was hosted by the Malta Ministry for Social Policy and the Family. It focused on the influence of a demographic shift, as a result of declining birth rates and rising life expectancy, on society, the economy, and the social security system, as well as evaluations of recent country experiences and good practices aimed at addressing these issues. The seminar also delved into recent developments in parental leave systems, financial incentives, and measures, as well as the importance of cross-sectoral, long-term approaches that target these challenges.

25/05/2026

From 19 to 21 May, Ms Joyce Grech, Assistant Director at the Research and School Internal Review Directorate (RSIRD), represented the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation at the Meeting of Directors-General for Higher Education, part of the official programme of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

This high-level meeting brought together senior officials from across Europe to discuss key priorities shaping the future of higher education. Discussions focused on strengthening European universities for greater impact, advancing internationalisation and mobility, and aligning higher education systems with evolving labour market needs through effective upskilling and reskilling initiatives.

Participants also engaged in forward-looking sessions on the role of artificial intelligence in higher education and explored how alliances among European institutions can act as a driving force for innovation and collaboration.

19/05/2026

On 15 May 2026, Ms Ruth Theuma, representing RSIRD, attended the IDAHOT+ Business Breakfast at the Marriott Resort & Spa in St Julian’s. Organised by the Human Rights Directorate, the conference focused on LGBTIQ+ visibility and media responsibility, with discussions on how media representation shapes public understanding, social attitudes, and inclusion.

A key outcome was the recognition that visibility alone does not guarantee equity. Participants reflected on the need for fair, accurate, and respectful representation across all LGBTIQ+ identities, including those that remain less visible in mainstream and social media spaces.

The conference also highlighted misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and underreporting as ongoing challenges. Discussions and workshops explored how different sectors can support more responsible communication, challenge harmful narratives, and strengthen inclusive practice.

Looking ahead, all stakeholders welcome continued collaboration with the Human Rights Directorate to promote accurate representation, media responsibility, and safer, more inclusive spaces for all.

18/05/2026

From 11 to 13 May, Ms Joyce Grech, Assistant Director within the Research and School Internal Review Directorate (RSIRD), participated in a capacity-building seminar as part of the Empower Me Project, on behalf of the Directorate. The project is an important initiative focused on strengthening mental health support for children and young people.
The seminar brought together policymakers from different ministries and entities to discuss current services related to children’s mental health. One of the project’s key deliverables is the Mental Health Toolkit, which is currently being developed to support children and young people aged 7–17, as well as their caregivers.
Importantly, the toolkit is being co-created with children in Malta, ensuring that its content reflects their lived experiences, language, and real needs.
For more information about the Mental Health Toolkit, visit

The Mental Health Toolkit is being developed as part of the Empowering a Mentally Healthy Generation project to support children and young people in understanding their emotions, strengthening their wellbeing, and knowing when and how to seek help.

14/05/2026

Ms Maria Attard- Education Officer and Ms Annabel Said- Manager II from the Research and School Internal Review Directorate have attended the EVIDALI Policy Learning Lab #3 on 11-13 May 2026 in Trento, Italy. They were accompanied by Dr Carlos Grima from the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education. The aims of the PLLab #3 were to:
• Learn in more depth from Trento's experience in developing and deepening data literacy strategies
• Examine patterns, strengths and gaps emerging from the preliminary Data Literacy Survey (DALIS) analysis
• Use these results to identify areas for further exploration in upcoming PLLabs
• Begin co-creating a maturity matrix, focusing on micro-level (practice) stages of development in school- and classroom-level educational data literacy.
PLLab #3 featured school showcases and visits, panel and internal discussions, and interactive exercises with project partners from Italy, Spain and Portugal, alongside experts from France, Sweden and Italy, all set against the green mountainsides of the Trentino region.

14/05/2026

Big thank you to SEM - Servizzi Ewropej f'Malta for having us and for the marvellous organisation!